Lab Tests to Confirm a Diagnosis

A hematopathologist examines the sample of your lymph node under a microscope to look for the identifying characteristics of Hodgkin lymphoma. A hematopathologist is a specialist who studies blood cell diseases by looking at samples of blood and marrow cells and other tissues.

The hematopathologist may use a lab test called immunophenotyping to look for the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells and Hodgkin cells to distinguish Hodgkin lymphoma from other types of lymphoma and other noncancerous conditions.

Hodgkin lymphoma can be a difficult disease to diagnose. You may want to get a second medical opinion by an experienced hematopathologist before you begin treatment. Hodgkin lymphoma can be confused with some types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The appropriate treatment depends on having the correct diagnosis.

Staging Tests

Once your hematologist oncologist confirms a Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis, he or she orders more tests to stage your disease. Staging identifies the extent of your disease and where it's located in your body.

Staging tests include:

blood tests

bone marrow tests

imaging tests

Blood Tests

After your blood is taken, it's sent to a lab for a complete blood count (CBC) and more blood work. Your blood is measured for:

levels of red cells, white cells and platelets

blood protein levels

uric acid levels

erythrocyte sedimentation rate (the speed that red cells settle at the bottom of a test tube - an increased rate can indicate cancer)

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The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.